What could be nicer than a Rice Krispies square? One gussied up for the holidays.

Just recently the Kellogg's Rice Krispies cereal folks teamed up with one of Canada's top cake decorators, Lisa Sanguedolce, to create a dazzling gift idea on a budget. Lisa’s signature cereal Holiday Ornament is new for Holiday 2012 and puts a fancy twist on this classic favourite.

“Who doesn’t love Rice Krispies squares?” says Sanguedolce, owner of Le Dolci, a fun, food education studio in Toronto which offers cake and cupcake decorating classes for kids. “For me, there’s a lot of nostalgia and comfort in that delicious combination of marshmallow, butter and Rice Krispies cereal. It’s an easy and versatile recipe which I’ve adapted using professional decorating techniques - simple enough so even kids can make it."

Please use your own favourite rice cereal, and you can visit ricekrispies.ca for a selection of simple and fun recipes to make with the kids.

Rice Krispies Holiday Ornament

For an impressive holiday gift idea try making this easy and elegant treat. It’s a great way to spend quality time with kids and because it’s no-bake, it’s a snap to make. Make the base in the same way it has been made for generations; finish with confectionary decorations available at grocery stores, online or at your local crafting store or cake decorating supply shop. Package in cello bags with pretty ribbon, mini decorative bulbs or a jingle bell.

Melt butter or margarine over low heat. Mix in marshmallows until completely melted; remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract (if using) and mix in cereal until well coated; allow to cool; and form into holiday ornament shapes.

TO SHAPE:

Form mixture into half balls, leaving space in centre. Poke a small hole in a piece of fondant with bamboo skewer and thread with your red licorice to make loop for hanging. Place loop inside ball and add more cereal mixture to close ball around licorice so loop sticks out; add more mixture as needed and mould with hands into ball shape.

DECORATE:

Roll fondant into a sheet using a rolling pin. With a ruler and pizza cutter, cut fondant into long strips; place onto ornament working your way around, cutting any excess.

Use a very small cookie cutter or decorating tool to cut out fun shapes from fondant. Dip paint brush in some water and brush onto fondant; sprinkle on silver dragees.

Once complete, package "ornaments" in clear cellophane bags, secure closure with a fabric ribbon tied in a bow with a holiday trinket like a jingle bell, tiny candy cane or sprig of holly; add a hang tag with your greeting and it’s ready to go.